ST HELENS gave league leaders Colwyn Bay an almighty scare on Saturday.

After a delayed start for rain they were asked to face the league's top bowler, South African Dion Taljard who nwas in typical belligerent mood.

Darren Tyms was soon removed for seven and Phil Roughley was adjudged LBW for 18.

It needed a cool head to score runs on a difficult pitch and Bappa Mukherjee (42) and Ian Mackus (45) put together a good partnership and with the help of Adam Friar (27) the innings ended on a respectable 166.

Taljard bowled throughout the innings to take 4-68 off 23 overs but was overshadowed by his opening partner Gibbons with 5-41.

Bobby Kenny opening the St Helens bowling in place of the injured Steve Jordan, and was soon among the wickets.

With Morris and Pitman both out with the score on three, Colwyn Bay knew they had a fight on their hands.

With the score on 80-7 and Bobby Kenny having a career best 6-33 at that time the home side decided that discretion was the order of the day and settled for a draw at 113-7, Bappa Mukherjee was the only other wicket taker with 1-25. With the second team game washed out by the weather it was left to the Third team to provide the home supporters with some cricket on Sunday.

And they rose to the occasion in fine style dismissing Northern for 161 and reaching the winning score in the last over.

Gary Parson (2-30) Alan Sheppard (3-31) and Dave Challoner (3-18) did the damage in the first innings. And after a rousing team talk at the tea interval St Helens put together some good performances.

Karl Boardman (41) Alan Sheppard (29) Neil Owen (27) and Mark Finney (21) were the top scorers with Dave Challoner hitting the winning runs with three balls to go, to end with 17 not out.

This Saturday Orrell Red Triangle visit Windleshaw Road and hope to include local boys David Leather and Steve Tickle in what will be another close contest.

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